In celebration of National Native American Heritage Month, meet one of our recent Native American-owned small businesses that were awarded an Empower Digital grant.
WORCESTER, MA

Matthew Wright, Owner of Wright Photo Studios, offers high quality photographic services for higher education, photojournalism, portraiture, wedding, special events, sporting events, commercial and promotional purposes. Wright applied for an Empower Digital grant to purchase the hardware required to upgrade and improve his digital file storage and management system. The $5,000 grant he received allowed him to provide easier and more secure access by his clients to their files, improving the efficiency of his business and enhancing his clients’ experience.
“This has helped me become more organized with digital assets,” Wright said. “It will improve my workflow and safeguard important client assets.”

The Empower Digital Grant Program provides funding of up to $5,000 to Massachusetts-based small business owners seeking the tools and services to develop or enhance their digital capabilities. The business owner will work with a Small Business Technical Assistance (SBTA) Provider, who will offer guidance and assistance through the grant application process. Then, with the support of the SBTA Provider, the business owner will work with a qualified professional in the area of the business’ greatest needs to pursue a digital development plan. Additional consideration is given to businesses owned by women, U.S. Military Veterans, disabled individuals, minorities, immigrants, non-native English speakers, LGBTQ+ and low- to moderate-income owners, as well as socially and economically disadvantaged individuals and businesses operating in Gateway Cities.